Toronto -- The Ontario Lung Association is welcoming proposed changes to Ontario’s tobacco and e-cigarette legislation that will expand no-smoking rules to apply to medical marijuana and prohibit the use of e-cigarettes in areas where smoking tobacco is banned.

“The proposed new regulations are a sensible and measured response to the lung health concerns associated with the growing popularity of e-cigarettes and the increasing use of marijuana for medical purposes,” said Andrea Stevens Lavigne, vice-president of provincial programs with the Ontario Lung Association.

Releasing a public consultation paper today, the Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Dipika Damerla, called for feedback on proposed amendments to the Smoke Free Ontario Act and to regulations under the Electronic Cigarettes Act that, if approved, would:

Prohibit the use of e-cigarettes and the smoking and vaping of medical marijuana in all enclosed public places, enclosed workplaces, and specified outdoor areas.

Expand the list of places where selling e-cigarettes is banned

Establish rules for the display and promotion of e-cigarettes and prohibit the testing of e-cigarettes in places where they are sold.

“We have enough evidence about vaping’s negative impact on lung health,” said Stevens Lavigne. “Furthermore, a recent study showed that teenagers who use e-cigarettes are twice as likely to go on to smoke tobacco.

“In the final analysis, it doesn’t make much difference whether it’s e-cigarette vapour or marijuana smoke – inhaling foreign substances damages your own lungs and those who breathe those substances second-hand.

“Every Ontarian has the right to breathe clean, fresh air. We urge the government to respect that right by passing this legislation without further delay.”